Airbus Military LO-23 'Little Owl'

[deathjester]

Hi guys!
Recently read a blog about how our troops in Afghanistan really need a long loitering, cheap light aircraft (wow, mouthful!) to act as FAC / radio relay, instead of uber expensive helicopters, and drones that crash most of the time ( don't laugh, I've seen the crash reports in AFM!!

So, I got to thinking, maybe something like a modernised version of the old Air Observation Posts that the Army Air Corps used to use, with a bit of light attack / COIN aircraft thrown in?

Then, I thought a a bit more: how about if it could be powered by a Diesel engine?  At a stroke, that alleviates all sorts of logistical and maintenance issues.

Then I thought, Airbus Military used to be EADS, which bought out CASA, which in turn bought out Hispano.  Now they had the license to build the Bf 109, so they would have the design somewhere(!)  What If! they dusted off the Bf 109 plans, and modified them for the AOP role?

So, here we go for a start:

[GTX_Admin]

Someone a little premature?  GB doesn't officially start until 1st April.

[deathjester]

Taking Leap Years, Timezone differences, and Daylight Saving into account, it's actually 15th September 2015 - so you're all late!!!   MUHAHAHAH!!!

Besides, it's all a very secret glimpse of the future, if I explained it, I'd have to...well, you know. 

On a not so secret note, my wife just read this.  Her reaction?:  "You Dick!"  Can always count on her support...

[GTX_Admin]

This looks a little like the EWR EK-33-004 Project.

[deathjester]

OOH-ERR!!

That looks so much like the LO-23!  Especially around the canopy - and I've never seen that design before...what can I say, great minds, eh??!!

Thanks for finding that Greg - I like my models to have a bit of credibility, this one will just have more than most...!!   :)

[deathjester]

Someone a little premature?  GB doesn't officially start until 1st April.

Anyway, in keeping with the nature of the GB, lets call this a pre-emptive strike...

[deathjester]

And here we go, all done - just need the MOD to see sense and buy something like this now!!

[GTX_Admin]

Need to see bigger pictures!

[deathjester]

How's this?

[GTX_Admin]

Much better - but now I need a close up of that nose art!!! :)

[deathjester]

Here ya go mate!!

[GTX_Admin]

Good man!  Lovely choice too. :)

[deathjester]

I aim to please!!

[deathjester]

A bit of info / explanation of my idea:

The Airbus Military LO-23 'Ehrle' (Little Owl) is designed to fulfill the requirement for 'Persistant Surveillance' over large areas of potentially hostile territory at risk from repeated IED attacks.  It also serves the roles of radio relay, long loiter air support, FAC, and artillery spotter.  At present, this capability is almost completely missing in most NATO forces, especially with regards to the situation in Afghanistan, and similar conflicts.

Seriously, how many lives could an aircraft like this save, by denying the extremists the uncontested use of the battlefield?

[GTX_Admin]

Dare I say, all that is satisfied by something like this nowadays :



Not to take away from your model though which is great!

[deathjester]

Dare I say, all that is satisfied by something like this nowadays :



Not to take away from your model though which is great!

Thanks!  It came together real nice!

Problems with the drones (as I see them) are;

Limited field of view / situational awareness

Limited payload

Low speed

Inability to act as radio relay (surprisingly, the most critical problem!)

No armour

High cost

High complexity (control system)

Any loss of contact (for whatever reason) results in loss of the platform

...

Drone cannot act as a liason aircraft

Drone cannot be used in an air combat situation

...

I'll get my coat...

[GTX_Admin]

Responses here

[deathjester]

I take it you've heard a few of those before then?